Figure ornament

Abstract

A figure ornament and method of making same which utilizes a thin, sheet material body having a longitudinally oriented solid center section which extends through the body dividing the body into a right side lobe and a left side lobe. Both the right side lobe and the left side lobe include a mass of thin slits. The center section is then folded upon itself forming a compact stack with the right side lobe and the left side lobe flaring outwardly from the compact stack defining an ornamental figure shape. There is then to be used an adhesive or clip for securing the compact stack so as to maintain the compact stack in its established position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The field of this invention relates to decorative q ornaments and more particularly to a figure ornament that is to be used as a bow in gift wrapping of packages, holiday ornaments, artificial flowers, decorative displays and other similar types of sages.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Decorative ornaments for use in gift wrapping packages are well known. Reference is to be had to the present inventor's own U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,609,928 and 6,042,903. Also, reference is to be had to the inventor's own prior patent application Ser. No. 09/544,056 filed Apr. 6, 2000. The subject matter of the present invention is directed to a figure ornament and method of making same which is distinctly different from the aforementioned patents and patent application.

[0005] In the field of decorative bows, holiday ornaments, and so forth, there is always a need to construct a new and different configuration of such. Consumers are always looking for “the unusual”. Therefore, it is the intent of the subject patent application to describe a figure ornament and method of making same which is different from all known prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A first embodiment of figure ornament which utilizes a sheet material body which has a longitudinally oriented solid center section located between a right side lobe and a left side lobe. The right side lobe includes a plurality of first slits, and the left side lobe includes a plurality of second slits with both of the first slits and the second slits located transverse to the center section. The center section is then folded upon itself forming a compact stack which locates the right side lobe and the left side lobe flaring outwardly therefrom defining an ornamental figure shape. There is then utilized some type of device for securing the compact stack so as to maintain the position of the compact stack.

[0007] A further embodiment of this invention which is in addition to the first embodiment where the center section is formed as a thin strip.

[0008] A still further embodiment of this invention is in addition to the first embodiment which locates the center section which divides the body in half to also make the left side lobe approximately the same size as the right side lobe.

[0009] In yet a still further embodiment of this invention, the first embodiment in modified no that the right side lobe is identical but reversed from the left side lobe.

[0010] In yet a further embodiment of this invention, the first embodiment is modified so that the first slits are located parallel to each other and the second slits are located parallel to each other.

[0011] In still a further embodiment of this invention, the first embodiment is modified so that the first slits are located in a skewed relationship to the second slits.

[0012] In yet a still further embodiment of this invention, the first embodiment is modified so that the folding of the center section is accomplished in an accordion fold.

[0013] In a still further embodiment of this invention, the first embodiment is modified so that the means for securing comprises an adhesive.

[0014] In yet a still further embodiment of this invention, the first embodiment is modified so that the means for securing comprises a clip.

[0015] In yet a further embodiment of this invention, the first embodiment is modified so that each first slit is of the same length as the second slit which are in direct transverse alignment.

[0016] A still further embodiment of this invention, the first embodiment is modified by each first slit being at a first acute angle relative to the center section and each second slit is at a second acute angle relative to the center section with the first acute angle being equal to the second acute angle.

[0017] A second embodiment of this invention is directed to the method of making a figure ornament by forming of a thin, sheet material of a preselected shape and then cutting of this body into a mass of thin slits while permitting the body to maintain a solid center section essentially dividing the body into two parts. This center section is then folded upon itself to form a compact stack. A securement is then utilized to maintain the compact stack in its established position. The two parts are then flared outwardly from the compact stack forming a specific ornamental figure configuration.

[0018] A further embodiment of this invention modifies the second embodiment with the thin slit of one part being located parallel to each other and the thin slits of the other part also being located parallel to each other.

[0019] In still a further embodiment of this invention, the second embodiment is modified to where the two parts are located of equal size.

[0020] In a still further embodiment of this invention, the second embodiment is modified by the folding of the center section being accomplished in an accordion manner.

[0021] In a still further embodiment of this invention, the second embodiment is modified by the securing being accomplished by means of an adhesive.

[0022] In a still further embodiment of this invention, the second embodiment is modified by the securing being accomplished by means of a clip.

[0023] In a still further embodiment of this invention, the second embodiment is modified by the step of cutting including a series of first slits within one part and a series of second slits within the other part with the first slits being skewed relative to the second slits.

[0024] In a further embodiment of this invention, the directly previously described embodiment is modified so that each first slit is of the same length as the second slit with which it is in direct transverse alignment.

[0025] In a still further embodiment of this invention, the just described embodiment is modified so that each first slit is located at an acute angle relative to the center section with each second slit being located at an acute angle relative to the center section with these acute angles being equal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is to be made to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangement shown in the drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a top plan view showing the body of the figure ornament of the present invention in its expanded state with this figure ornament to eventually resemble a butterfly;

[0028] FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the addition of adhesive on the solid center section of the body and s the addition of a release liner over the adhesive;

[0029] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through the center section of the butterfly configuration figure ornament of this invention showing more clearly the covering of the adhesive on the center section and the fact that there is a cover section to be located on both sides of the center section;

[0030] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view depicting the accordion folding of the center section of the butterfly configuration ornament of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0031] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 but where the center section is now completely folded into a compact stack and showing the possible inclusion of a clip to be connected to the compact stack to maintain the compact stack in its established position;

[0032] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the resultingly formed butterfly figure ornament;

[0033] FIG. 7 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 2 but of a modified form of figure with that figure being defined as a heart;

[0034] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing the heart shaped figure ornament in the completely constructed state;

[0035] FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 2 but of a different configuration of body which is to be utilized to produce an angel shaped figure ornament;

[0036] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the completely constructed angel shaped figure ornament;

[0037] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view through line 11-11 of FIG. 10; and

[0038] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view through the compact stack that is formed in conjunction with the angel shaped figure ornament taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Referring particularly to FIGS. 1-6 of the drawings, there is shown the first embodiment 20 of figure ornament of this invention. The first embodiment 20, noting particularly FIG. 6, is in the shape of a butterfly. In order to produce the finished ornament shown in FIG. 6, there is utilized a body 22 composed of a thin, sheet material. Typical material for the body 22 will be a flexible plastic, polyester, polypropylene, including blown polypropylene material, vinyl, paper or laminates thereof such as combining polyester and paper. The material can be tinted, printed, metalized, embossed, holographic and may include other similar processes. The thickness of the body 22 would normally be between one-half mil to ten mil.

[0040] Body 22 has a longitudinal solid center section 24. The center section 24 extends the entire length of the body 22. The body 22 is divided on opposite sides of the center section 22 between a right side lobe 26 and a left side lobe 28. It is to be noted that the size of the right side lobe 26 is approximately equal in size to the left side lobe 28. However, it is considered to be within the scope of this invention that it is not necessary that the lobes 26 and 28 be precisely the same size. The right side lobe 26 is then deemed to be the lobe of the body 22 that is located on one side of the longitudinal center axis 30 which extends centrally through the center section 24. On the opposite side of the longitudinal center section 30 is located the left side lobe 28. The center axis 30 need not be through the center of the body 22.

[0041] The right side lobe 26 is defined by an upper lobe 32 and a lower lobe 34. In a similar manner, the left side lobe 28 is defined by an upper lobe 36 and a lower lobe 38. It is to be noted that the right side lobe 26 is identical but reversed to the left side lobe 28. If the right side lobe 26 was folded and placed in juxtaposition with the left side lobe 28, the right side lobe 26 would precisely cover the left side lobe 28. However, again, this precise size relationship need not be followed. Actually, the lobes 26 and 28 could be entirely different shapes.

[0042] Formed within the right side lobe 26 are a plurality of parallel, evenly spaced apart, straight slits 40 although the slits 40 do not have to be evenly spaced apart nor parallel. In a similar manner, the left side lobe 28 has a plurality of parallel, evenly spaces apart, straight slits 42 again which do not have to be evenly spaced apart nor parallel. Also, it is not mandatory that the slits 40 and 42 be straight lines. It is to be noted that the slits 40 are in the same pattern and the same length arrangement as the slits 42 only in the reverse direction. It is to be noted that the slits 40 are oblique and are located at an acute angle B relative to the longitudinal center axis 30. It is also to be noted that the slits 42 are oblique and are located in an acute angle A relative to the longitudinal center axis 30. In the embodiment shown, angle A is equal to angle B. The slits 40 and 42 are actually so thin that for all practical purposes when the body 22 is laid flat, as in FIG. 1, it would appear that the body 22 is solid. The figures of the drawings show the slits 40 and 42 to be exaggerated. However, openings between directly adjacent slits 40 and 42 could be provided if desired Located between each directly adjacent pair of slits 40 and between each directly adjacent pair of slits 42 is a thin strip 44 of material. The thin strips 44 are solid but readily deflectable. The strips 44 are each about one-eighth of an inch wide but can be narrower or wider without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0043] It is to be noted that the slits 40 and 42 are located essentially transversely relative to the center section 24. The slits 40 and 42 could be cuts or slices or could actually comprise narrow areas of removed material.

[0044] On each side of the center section 24 throughout the entire longitudinal length, there is applied a coating of adhesive 46. This adhesive 46 need not be utilized. In order to protect the adhesive 46 prior to usage, it is desirable that both sides of the center section 24 be covered by a release liner 48. It is to be understood that there are two in number of such release liners 48. Referring to the drawing, it is readily apparent the view in FIG. 1 shows the body 22 prior to the application of the adhesive 46 and the release liners 48. The view in FIG. 2 shows the body 22 with the adhesive 46 applied and the release liners 48 covering the adhesive 46.

[0045] The upper lobe 32 resembles a triangle shape except the upper lobe 32 is actually a four sided figure with the fourth side being side edge 50 which abuts against lower lobe 34. The same is true for upper lobe 36 which has a side edge 52 which abuts against lower lobe 38. The upper lobe 32 also has a scalloped outer edge 54. Upper lobe 36 also has a similar scalloped outer edge 56. Scalloping of the edges 54 and 56 is only for design purposes. The lower lobe 34 has an outer semi-circular edge 58 with the lower lobe 38 having a similar semi-circular edge 60. The upper lobes 32 and 36 are designed to essentially replicate the fore wings of a butterfly. The lower lobes 34 and 29 are designed to replicate the lobed hind wings of a butterfly. Note particularly FIG. 6 for this replication.

[0046] Referring particularly to FIGS. 4 and 5, it needs to be seen that the center section 24 is folded over upon itself into an accordion fold. This accordion folding of the center section 24 is to occur until the center section 24 now assumes a compact stack 62. The adhesive 46 will function to hold the compact stack 62 together. However, a U-shaped clip 64 (C-shaped or any other operable configuration) can also be inserted about the compact stack 62 to hold such in the stacked relationship. Instead of adhesive or a clip, there could be used other forms of securement such as a sonic weld, a metal staple or a tie. When the center section 24 is in the stacked relationship forming the compact stack 62, the upper lobes 32 and 36 and the lower lobes 34 and 38 automatically assume a three dimensional butterfly resembling position, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0047] It is to be noted that the scalloped outer edges 54 and 56 and the semi-circular edges 58 and 60 are located at a border of about one eighth to one-half inch in width. This means that the slits 40 and 42 terminate short of the outer edges 54, 56, 58 and 60. The use of these borders is required in order to have the body 22 to assume a fixed shape when constructed in the shape of a butterfly as shown in FIG. 6. It is to be understood that the borders are not necessarily of a constant width and could be wider or narrower without departing from the scope of this invention. The combination of accordion folding forming compact stack 62, slits 40 and 42 and the use of the borders is what makes the manufactured flat pattern shown in FIG. 1 to be movable into a three-dimensional article. Referring particularly to FIGS. 7 and 8, there is shown a second embodiment which is a heart configuration 66 of figure ornament of this invention. The heart configuration 66 is formed of a thin, sheet material body 68 which is constructed of the same material as body 22. The body 68 includes a longitudinal center section 70 which is essentially similar to center section 24. The center section 70 includes on each side thereof an adhesive strip 72. Normally covering adhesive strips 72 prior to assemblage is a release liner 74 with it being understood there are two in number of the release liners 74 located on opposite sides of the body 68. On one side of the center section 70, there is a right side lobe 76. On the opposite side of the center section 70 is a left side lobe 78. Included within the right side lobe 76 are a plurality of first slits 80. Included within the left side lobe 78 are a plurality of second slits 82. The slits 80 and 82 are essentially similar to previously described slits 40 and 42.

[0048] It is to be noted that the slits 80 and 82 are not located parallel but resemble a sun ray type of pattern. When the center section 70 is folded in a manner that was previously described in relation to FIGS. 4 and 5, and a clip 84 installed on the compact stack that is thus formed, the heart configuration 66 is thus achieved. It is noted that the right side lobe 76 will overlap a small part of the left side lobe 78 at the tip 86. It will normally be desired to attach the tips 86 of both the right side lobe 76 and the left side lobe 78 in some manner. Typically, this is done by a spot of adhesive, which is not shown.

[0049] Referring particularly to FIGS. 9-12 of the drawings, there is shown a third embodiment which is an angel configuration 88 of figure ornament of this invention, The angel configuration 88 includes a body 90. The body 90 is constructed of thin, sheet material which was used in the construction of the body 22. The body 90 includes a right side lobe 92 and a left side lobe 94. The right side lobe 92 includes an upper lobe 96 and a lower lobe 98. Similarly, the left side lobe 94 includes an upper lobe 100 and a lower lobe 102, The upper lobe 96 extends to side edge 104 which is the start of the lower lobe 98. In a similar manner, the upper lobe 100 extends to side edge 106 which is the start of the lower lobe 102.

[0050] The upper lobe 96 includes a scalloped outer edge 108 with the upper lobe 100 including a scalloped outer edge 110. The lower lobe 98 includes a straight outer edge 112 and the lower lobe 102 includes a similar straight outer edge 114. It is to be understood that edges 108, 110, 112 and 114 could be any configuration and need not be scalloped or straight. It is to be understood that the outer edges 108, 110, 112 and 114 are all located at solid borders so as to provide rigidity to the angel configuration 88 that is resultingly formed.

[0051] The body 90 includes a center section 116 each side of which is covered with an adhesive strip 118. Each adhesive strip 118 is to be covered with a release liner 120.

[0052] The center section 116 is to be accordion folded in a manner similar to previously described in relation to FIGS. 4 and 5 producing a compact stack 122. This compact stack may have mounted thereabout a U-shaped clip 124. This clip 124 can be covered by a thin disc 126 which could be of solid material and may be of the same material as the body 90. However, the disc 126 will not include the slits 128 and 130 which are formed respectively in the right side lobe 92 and left side lobe 94. When the compact stack 122 is formed, the angel configuration 88 results with the lower lobe 98 overlapping the lower lobe 102. It will normally be desired to include an adhesive 134 between the lower lobes 98 and 102 in order to secure together the lower lobes 98 and 102 so that such will function as a single unit when in the angel configuration of FIGS. 10-12. The disc 126 is to be secured by an adhesive 134 to the outer surface of the clip 124. The disc 126 and clip 124 could be manufactured as a single unit.

[0053] Although there are three different configurations of the figure ornament of this invention being shown, it is considered to be within the scope of this invention that numerous other configurations could be utilized. For example, the inventors intend to manufacture snowflake and star configurations which will be constructed in essentially the same manner. The snowflake and star configurations will have a series of different sizes and location of slits plus a series of cut-outs which permit the forming of three dimensional shapes.

[0054] Each of embodiments 20, 66 and 88, as well as any similar embodiment which falls within the scope this invention, could be manufactured as a “pull-bow”. A pull-bow includes a manually pullable member which when pulled will cause the embodiment to take shape from a flat configuration. The use of pull-bows is well known and is most desirable because of the minimum space that the flat configuration occupies which minimizes shipping space and display space prior to usage.

[0055] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and accordingly, reference should be made to the appending claims rather than the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A figure ornament comprising:

a sheet material body having a longitudinal oriented solid center section located between a right side lobe and a left side lobe, said right side lobe having a plurality of first slits, said left side lobe having a plurality of second slits, both said first slits and said second slits being located transverse to said center section;

said center section being folded upon itself forming a compact stack with said right side lobe and said left side lobe flaring outwardly from said compact stack defining a three dimensional ornamental figure shape; and

means for securing said compact stack so as to be maintained in the position of said compact stack.

2. The figure ornament as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said center section comprising a thin strip.

3. The figure ornament as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said center section splitting said body in half.

4. The figure ornament as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said right lobe being identical in shape but in reverse to said left side lobe.

5. The figure ornament as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said first slits being parallel, said second slits being parallel.

6. The figure ornament as defined in claim 1 wherein;

said first slits being skewed relative to said second slits.

7. The figure ornament as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said center section being folded upon itself in an accordion manner.

8. The figure ornament as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said means for securing comprising adhesive.

9. The figure ornament as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said means for securing comprising a clip.

10. The figure ornament as defined in claim 1 wherein:

each said first slit, which is in direct transverse alignment with a said second slit, being of the same length.

11. The figure ornament as defined in claim 1 wherein:

each said first slit being at a first acute angle relative to said center section, each said second slit being at a second acute angle relative to said center section, said first acute angle being equal to said second acute angle.

12. The method of making a figure ornament comprising:

forming a thin, sheet material body of a preselected shape;

cutting said body into a mass of thin slits while permitting said body to maintain a solid center section essentially dividing said body into two lobes;

folding said center section upon itself to form a compact stack;

securing said compact stack so said compact stack will remain in its established shape; and

whereby said two lobes are flared outwardly from said compact stack forming a specific three dimensional ornamental figure configuration.

13. The method as defined in claim 12 wherein in the step of cutting includes forming said thin slits parallel to each other.

14. The method as defined in claim 12 wherein in the step of cutting includes dividing said body into two equal lobes.

15. The method as defined in claim 12 wherein the folding step includes folding in an accordion manner said center section.

16. The method as defined in claim 12 wherein the step of securing is accomplished by means of an adhesive.

17. The method as defined in claim 12 wherein the step of securing is accomplished by means of a clip.

18. The method as defined in claim 12 wherein the step of cutting includes forming a series of first slits within one said lobe and a series of second slits within another said lobe, said first slits being skewed relative to said second slits.

19. The method as defined in claim 18 wherein the step cutting further includes forming each said first slit, which is in direct transverse alignment with a said second slit, to be of the same length.

20. The method as defined in claim 18 wherein the step of cutting includes forming each said first slit at a first acute angle relative to said center section and each said second slit at a second acute angle relative to said center section with said first acute angle being equal to said second acute angle.